Local martial arts groups join ‘Fight for Jenna’

On Saturday, Sept. 22, Evolution Martial Arts held their first annual Fisher Peak Challenge Spar-athon at Selkirk Secondary School gymnasium in Kimberley.

The event was a gruelling 2,880 seconds — or 48 one-minute rounds — of sparring in a friendly atmosphere, which equals the same height as Fisher Peak in metres.

The event was held to raise money to help 14-year-old Jenna Homeniuk, who is currently in Alberta Children’s Hospital receiving treatment for leukemia.

There were 20 participants who took part in the Spar-athon, with members not only from Evolution Martial Arts, but with a number from the Rocky Mountain Academy of Martial Arts, including Guru Joel Huncar, who graciously offered the support of some of his members to spar in the event.

The event was a great success not only for Jenna, but for the spirit of friendship, co-operation and perseverance shown during the sparring.

Event organisers Simon Wachon and Robyn Cockell would like to give special thanks to everyone who took part, but especially to Bella (who at just four years old completed the whole spar-athon and raised over $400), to Joel from RMAMA, and to Mike Honeyman of Arrow Installations, who also took part and generously matched the amount of $2027.11 raised on the day, to send Jenna $4,054.22 in total for the event.

All the event participants hope the extra money will come in handy for Jenna and her family while they are living with treatment and the hardships that go with it. They know Jenna is a very positive young lady, and they all want Jenna to keep her chin and her trademark thumb up.

Please visit the “Fight for Jenna” Facebook page, or go to cranbrookmartialarts.com to find out more or donate.